COLORADO CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION

Projects
COLORADO CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION

DENVER, UNITED STATES

COLORADO CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION

The Colorado Convention Center undertook an expansion project to meet the growing event space demand and remain competitive in the convention and events industry. The expansion was designed to improve the overall experience for attendees and exhibitors, with more flexible space, better amenities, and improved accessibility. The convention center is also a major driver of economic activity for the City of Denver, with events that bring in visitors, fill hotels and restaurants, and boost local businesses.

The expansion adds an 80,000 square foot column-free multipurpose room, a rooftop terrace with city and mountain views, and technology improvements that position the Colorado Convention Center as an industry leader. Now offering 150,000 square feet of meeting space and 600,000 square feet of exhibit space, the convention center is poised to attract global events and generate $85 million in annual economic impact.

At a glance

Client
City & County of Denver
Services
Team Performance, Commercial Success, Certainty, Cashflow Modeling, Cost Estimating & Management, Cost Planning, Project Analysis & Reporting, Contract Administration, Contract Procurement, Design Management Support, Procurement Strategy & Management, Site Management
sector
Convention & Exhibition Centers
Location
Denver, United States

New Heights in the Mile High City

RLB was eager to be part of the city’s convention center expansion project as we looked forward to the nuanced scale and complexities. We felt we could provide the best value to the city associated with such a high-profile endeavor. Our team held the expertise to deliver upon the unique chance of a large, multifaceted development in a dense urban environment. Where successful execution requires precise coordination, innovative problem-solving, and effective stakeholder management – our team of skilled professionals were eager to hit the mark.

This award-winning project directly contributes to Denver’s economic growth and cultural vibrancy. The expansion of the Colorado Convention Center not only solidifies the city’s position as a top-tier destination for conventions and events but also brings significant economic benefits to the community, such as job creation, increased tourism, and a boost to local businesses. Managing a project with such a far-reaching impact allowed RLB to play a vital role in shaping the future of Denver’s successful economy and infrastructure.

The Colorado Convention Center expansion was an exciting and complex project that gave our team the opportunity to showcase our expertise in managing large-scale developments. From navigating the logistical challenges of a dense urban environment to ensuring seamless coordination among various stakeholders, this project allowed us to deliver exceptional value to the City of Denver.

The new spaces, such as the column-free multipurpose room and rooftop terrace, truly elevate the center as a premier destination for global events. It’s immensely rewarding to know that our work directly contributes to Denver’s economic growth, cultural vibrancy, and future as a top-tier event destination.

Scott Sumners, Executive Vice President, Rider Levett Bucknall

RLB successfully coordinated diverse teams to bring this high-profile project to life, and we’re proud to have contributed to shaping Denver’s future.

Overcoming Complex Challenges through Strategic Planning and Innovation

One of the requisites of this project was maintaining ongoing operations at the convention center while construction was underway. This required meticulous planning and coordination to ensure that events could continue with minimal disruption, including careful scheduling, noise control, and safety measures to protect attendees and workers alike.

Another hurdle was integrating the new expansion seamlessly with the existing structure. This involved precise coordination to align new and old building systems. The team also had to address logistical challenges related to the urban location, such as limited space for staging construction materials and equipment and managing traffic flow in downtown Denver. We were proud to overcome this hurdle through the creative collaboration of all team members.

A once-in-a-lifetime creative solution to building vertically in a dense urban area was placing a crawler crane on the roof to address specific logistical and engineering challenges. The crawler crane was strategically positioned on the roof of the existing structure to lift and place heavy materials, such as steel beams, prefabricated components, and other construction elements, directly onto the upper levels of the expansion.

Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic presented unexpected challenges, such as supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and the need for enhanced health and safety protocols on site. The teams had to be agile and adaptive, implementing new strategies to overcome these obstacles while ensuring the project remained on track.

Through effective communication, collaboration, and problem-solving, the team successfully navigated these challenges, delivering a state-of-the-art expansion that positions the Colorado Convention Center as a leading venue for global events.

Enhanced Versatility and Seamless Integration

With the additional meeting space and a column-free multipurpose room, the center can simultaneously host larger and more versatile events, improving scheduling flexibility and attracting bigger conventions.

The rooftop terrace offers a unique outdoor venue with stunning views, making it an additional attractive option for receptions and informal gatherings. This enhances the overall event experience for attendees.

The design integrates seamlessly with the existing building, ensuring that old and new sections operate as a cohesive unit, improving overall operational flow and reducing potential disruptions.

$
85
mil
Estimated Annual Economic Impact
80,000
ft
²
ballroom
35,000
ft
²
pre-function space

People are the Project

RLB played a pivotal role in successful delivery of the Colorado Convention Center expansion project. As the central coordination point between all stakeholders, including the project owner, contractors, architects, engineers, and city officials, RLB worked closely with stakeholders to establish clear project goals, timelines, and deliverables.

RLB provided transparency through accurate reporting to leadership and stakeholders, informing them of milestones, risks, and potential cost impacts.

RLB helped to successfully deliver the project on time and on budget amid a global pandemic, leveraging their team of industry experts skilled in managing cost, risk, schedule, and quality.

True Team Collaboration

RLB was responsible for monitoring the project budget, controlling costs, which ensured the project stayed within financial constraints. RLB created custom financial dashboards that provided interactive, real-time reporting, providing transparency throughout the project. This allowed the City of Denver to make informed decisions throughout the design and construction phases.

By creating custom tools and leveraging best practices, RLB navigated the project’s complexities and delivered a successful facility that met – and even exceeded – stakeholder requirements.